Frank Robinson Park riparian regeneration

HRLN secured funding through Hunter Water for Dungog Landcare group

Frank Robinson Park riparian regeneration

HRLN secured funding through Hunter Water for Dungog Landcare group

Taking Action -

LLCI014-038

The issue

Sustaining the Williams Valley Inc. Landcare group formed in early 2016. Members of the community came together with a common vision of creating a resilient landscape in the Williams Valley focusing on riparian zone management on the rivers and streams, and addressing the damage to the banks of the Williams River and Myall Creek. After discussion with the community, it was decided that the initial project would be to enhance the iconic community space known as Frank Robinson Park, on the banks of the Williams River.

The southern bank at Robinson Reserve was heavily infested with weeds requiring professional help to remove as a first step in bush regeneration works.

How was the group going to fund this project?

The solution

Hunter Water Corporation has a long history of supporting environmental efforts that contribute to a sustainable, clean catchment. Hunter Region Landcare Network met with a representative from Hunter Water to discuss the possibility of funding for projects in the Hunter catchment that would benefit all parties. The Local Landcare coordinator made contact with Landcare groups to request expressions of interest for projects that would increase water quality and improve biodiversity in the Hunter catchment. Several proposals were presented to Hunter Water with a range of scope and budgets outlined.

Sustaining the Williams Valley was awarded $10,000 for the Riparian rainforest rehabilitation project at Frank Robinson Park.

The impact

The group has engaged Biological Preservation Australia to assist in the appropriate rehabilitation of endangered riparian rainforest vegetation along the southern bank of Williams River, and to stabilise this creek bank. Council also contributed as a partner to remove dead trees and clear the area for regeneration and stabilisation works. Funding is to be used to purchase appropriate native plants, tools for planting and weed control, signage to promote awareness of the project to the public. The contractor and Landcare group are working together to remove weeds and plant out the riparian zone in grids to reduce the risk of erosion.

This partnership between Hunter Region Landcare and Hunter Water corporation allowed this relatively new group to establish themselves and see their first project make an impact. The gains from this project include increased biodiversity of native species of flora and fauna, increased community participation and environmental education. This project sets a shining example of what can be done with collaborative effort of organisations and individuals. This is the first step in many more to come in sustaining the Williams Valley.